Cycle Time

Cycle Time is the elapsed time between the defined start and defined finish of a completed work item. It includes all time within those boundaries, not only active work but also waiting and blockage. Individual values should be analysed as a distribution because averages can conceal variation and outliers.

Use Cycle Time when examining delivery capability, historical forecasts and the effect of changes to the workflow.

Teams compare Cycle Times with different start or finish points or rely on a single average. Changed system boundaries, work-item types and uncertainty then disappear from view.